No hope left for Karim

A STAFF REPORTER

Calcutta: Karim Bencharifa’s position is not really one of envy. The beleaguered Mohun Bagan coach, admitted that he was on a “mission impossible” after his team lost 0-1 to Dhanmondi Club at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

After the loss, which was a story of missed chances, Karim said: “I have done all that I could do with this team, but could not earn a trophy. We have beaten East Bengal, we did well in the Federation Cup. But we didn’t get a trophy.”

Karim, however, added that this was a ‘team of the future’ and hoped the club will persist with these players for another season and then they may get results. The coach was a little peeved with Okolie Odafa. Reportedly, the injured Nigerian had been changing doctors and had gone to a private nursing home too for treatment. “I know nothing about it, I have no news of Odafa,” was all Karim said.

On the other hand, United FC coach Anjan Nath stood tall, proud with his boys. “We don’t even know whether there will be a team next season. But the boys are all playing so well, they want to be noticed,” he said, after making it to the semi-finals of the IFA Shield. “It doesn’t matter who we play, we have to play well in the semi-final,” he said, when asked whether Mohammedan Sporting will be tough opponents.

Lalkamal Bhowmick, who suffered a knee injury on Saturday, said: “We are playing because we love the game and the club. We know there is a financial crisis, but we still want to do well.” Nath added that he hoped Ranty Martins, who missed the match due to suspension, will be back in action on Tuesday.